Have Russian claims of Ukraine attack on Putin home ended hopes for peace?

"Ukrainian President Zelenskyy denies that Kyiv attacked the Novgorod residence of Russian President Putin. Russia has threatened to retaliate against Ukraine after alleging that nearly 100 drones had targeted one of Russian President Vladimir Putin's residences. The threat on Monday was made as United States President Donald Trump tries to broker a peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, which will enter its fifth year in February."

"Lavrov told reporters that Ukraine had launched 91 drones towards the residence. He added that air defence systems shot down the drones and no one was injured. The Russian Ministry of Defence said 49 of the drones were shot down over the Bryansk region, one was shot down over the Smolensk region and 41 were shot down over the Novgorod region while en route. Such reckless actions will not go unanswered, Lavrov said."

"Russian officials accused Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, of carrying out the strike to derail the prospects of a peace agreement. In an apparent reference to Zelenskyy, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev wrote on X: The stinking Kiev b**tard is trying to derail the settlement of the conflict. He wants war. Well, now at least he'll have to stay in hiding for the rest of his worthless life."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denies that Kyiv attacked President Vladimir Putin's Novgorod residence. Russian officials allege nearly 100 drones targeted the Valdai residence and say air defences shot the craft down without injuries. The Russian Ministry of Defence described interceptions over Bryansk, Smolensk and Novgorod regions. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that targets and timing for retaliatory strikes have been determined. Officials accused Ukraine of trying to derail peace prospects, and Dmitry Medvedev published a vitriolic comment threatening Zelenskyy. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov linked the strike's timing to recent Florida talks between Trump and Zelenskyy, after which both had expressed optimism about a peace deal.

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